Manufacture of typewriter-types



March 8, 1938. THORELL 2,110,348

MANUFACTURE OF TYPEWRITER TYPES Original Fiied Oct. 24, 1935 '7Sheets-Sheet 1- IN V EN TOR. BY M March 8, 1938. E. THORELL IMANUFACTURE OF TYPEWRITER TYPES Original Filed Oct. 24, 1955 7Sheets-Sheet 6 BY g 7 Arm 7 Shets-Sheet s E. THORELL MANUFACTURE OFTYPEWRITER 'I'YFES Original Filed Oct. 24, 1935 March 8, 1938.

ATTORNEY.

8,1938. ETH RELL 2,110,348

MANUFACTURE OF TYPEWRITER TYPES Original Filed 0ot. 24, 1935 7Sheets-Sheet 4 fig/3i 5% z zm wngwfl INVENTOR..

March s, 1938. v E, TH RE 2,110,348

MANUFACTURE OF TYPEWRITER TYPES Original Filed Oct. 24, 1955 7Sheets-Sheet 5 INVEN TOR. 6% JW ATTORNEY.

7 Sheets-Sheet 6 I25 nvmvroa ATTORNEY.

March 8, 1938. E. THORELL MANUFACTURE OF TYPEWRITER TYPES Original FiledOct. 24', 1935 v March 1938. E. THORELL MANUFACTURE OF TYPEWRITER TYPESOriginal Filed Oct. 24, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 t Patented Mar. 8, 1938UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MANUFACTURE OF TYIEWRITER-TYPES- Originalapplication October 24,. 1935, Serial No.

Divided and this application May 22,

1936, Serial No. 81,184

14 Claims.

This invention relates to blank-holding dies usedin a process for makingtypes which may be used in typewriters of the noiseless or similar classof machines. In this class of typewriting machines, the face of the typemay be located in an angular relationship with the grip or shank whichis riveted or soldered to a type-bar, usually connected by a system oflevers to a key on the keyboard of the machine.

In their normal position, the types may be located respectively in asmall arc of a circle, a short distance in front of the revolvingplaten. When one of the keys on the keyboard is depressed by theoperator the corresponding typebar is moved by means of the system oflevers connected thereto, thus moving the selected type to the center ofa guide usually located at the center of the machine immediately infront of the platen.

Due to the location of the types in a substantially circular arc, aspreviously described, the shanks of said types are usually located in adirection substantially radial to said arc. When the type-bar is movedtoward the platen, the type-head is in a position substantially parallelto the vertical platen plane. There are usually forty or more differenttypes on the conventional machine, twenty or more of which may belocated on each side of the center line of the machine, ina circulararc, as previously described. On the central types, the position of thetypehead is usually substantially parallel to the vertical plane of theplaten, and the pathof said typehead in moving toward the platen issubstantially perpendicular thereto. Thus, on the central types, thetype-head and shank are substantially perpendicular to one another.

The types located at the outer ends of the circular are have thetype-faces substantially parperpendicular relationship common to thecentral types to the very acute angle of the outertypes: As the typesmayall be located symmetrically'about the center line, there are thus tenor more different angular relationships between the type-heads and theshanks of the respective allel to the vertical plane of the platen, withtheir types. On a machineof this class, the angle between the type-headand shank of a type on one side of the center line is substantiallyequal to the angle ofthe corresponding type on the opposite side of thecenter line. The number of different angles and the number of charactersused vary of course, according to the different machines used, and thelanguage of said characters.

Heretofore types of this kind were rolled in multiple on a large blank.After rolling the typeface it was necessary to mill the various angleson the backs of the type-heads and to form each shank separately. Due tothe fact, as previously stated, that the angle between the type-head andshank on each type differs from that of the adjoining type, it wasnecessary to have many different sets of form-cutters to mill the shanksand the backs of the type-heads. It was also necessary to employ anumber of different sets of fixtures or holding devices to retain theblanks in their correct angular relationship during the process offorming the shanks. After the shanks were formed, the type-heads werecut apart, forming the individual types, and the subsequent machiningand finishing operations performed.

Said process presented considerable difficulty and proved costly in boththe initial equipment installation required and in its operation. It hasalso proven to be wasteful of material.

Anobject of this invention is to evolve a process for making types in asimple, inexpensive and accurate manner. Thus there is evolved a novelmethod of rolling the type-face and character of each type from a novelindividual blank in a substantially continuous novel process, saidrolling 1" operation being performed on a. rolling press with novelequipment.

The type-blank-rod-rolling step of this inven-- tion produces eachcharacter in a substantially head of the type in the form of wingsextending from the central shank, said wings containing the head insubstantially the'required thickness, with the excess material at thesides. After the rolling process there are taken the steps of flashing,

milling and punching, all of which are hereinafter described in detail.There are additional steps of hardening, numbering and plating. Alloperations are comparatively simple, and the novel apparatus forclamping the types and perfinished form, and at the same time forms thefor the finishedtype, and the blank rod is cut into strips of the lengthrequired for each type. Due to the fact that the blank is leftsubstantially in the initial form, and very little excess material isformed on the head during-the rolling process, the use of this type ofblank results in economy of material.

It is thus apparent that the invention includes a comparatively simpleindividual rolling process, without taking cumbersome steps ofshankforming and head-severing, and produces the required result in avery simple manner.

The'following descriptiondetails various steps of the novel process ofrolling the aforementioned types, as well as the'novel machines andholding devices and other appliances employed in carrying out saidprocess.

The type-blank consists of a length of stock,

having a longitudinal shank. A shaped rod is cut into appropriatelengths for the individual types. The shape may bear resemblanceto asquare wire or rod, from one face of which 'projects a longitudinalflange. The stock furnishes the metal for the type-faces, while theflange furnishes the material for thetype-shanks.

In the noiseless type of machine, for which these types are designed,the type-carriers work in vertical planes, which converge to theprinting point. By its key, each carrier is thrust rearwardly againstthe platen. The type is attached to its carrier by a shank which is inthe plane of the carrier,'while the type-face fits to the platen. Theshank is, therefore, at an angle to the type-face. The angles ofdifferent shanks vary, in consonance with the position of the individualtype-carrier in the system; At the middle of the machine, the shank isat about a right angle to the type-face. At the extreme sides of thesystem, the shank is about fortyfive degrees to the type-face. Theangles are graduated, and'increase in sharpness from the middle to thesides of the type-bar system.

Each type, however, is formed from one blank, with its flange or shank,and the blanks are the same for all or many types. The position of theshank-portion with reference to the stockportion is not changed, but thedirection of presblank-dies have recesses in which to mount the shanks,and are provided with means for supporting the stock at the type-rollingoperation.

By simply inserting any blank in the desired mount in the press, to givethe blank the desired position, and then by'rolling the type-diethereover, there is produced a type, having a rather broad lateralspreador flash, overlying the top surface of the mount orblank die. Withdifferent rolling dies there are used different mounts or blank-holderdies, the mounts being distinguished from one anothermainly by thedifferent positions in which they hold the blanks respectively.

There are enough blank-holding dies to give the right positions to allthe types used on one side of the printing point in the typewriter. Thesame dies are used for the remaining half of the types, for whichpurpose they are merely reversed in positions in the press.

rolled type.

The product of the first operative steps is a type having a flash at anangle to the shank. In

'most instances the angle is acute By this step there is also left orformed, at the ends of the blank, a quantum of stock from which, atsubsequent operations, there are shaped the guiding portions that enterthe fixed center guide of the typewriter, and thereby change thedirection of movement of the advancing type from an acute angle to aright angle; the concluding portion of the stroke of every type beingperpendicular to the platen.

The succeeding steps, in which the rolled types I are machined intofinal, finished, form, are not 1 types mounted on asingle type-bar, acommon feature of noiseless typewriters,

Figure 3 is a'plan view of one of the centrally located types inprinting position against the platen, with one of the directional lugsof the type-head in contact with an edge of the typeguide.

Figure 4 is a similar representation of one of I the end types.

Figure 5is an elevation, partially in section, showing the type-guide,with a type-head in printing position.

Figure 6 illustrates a completed type-head.

Figure 7 is a side elevation of the opened die, with one jaw removed,showing the die-opening plunger and the locking wedge.

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the die, with one jaw removed, showingthe die-closing member forcing the blank .into the die and the wedgetightened against the die-head. i

Figure 9 is asection through the die utilized in holding the blank.during the process of rolling. The die is shown in the open positionwith the blank in position.

Figure 10 is a section through the die of Figure 9, showing the dieclosed by the action of the die-closing member.

Figure 11 is aperspective view of the blank bar stock as it is receivedfrom the rolling mill, with the type-segments illustrated by dottedlines.

Figure 11 shows a die for a central type.- Figure 12 is a partialsection and side elevation of the rolling press, showing the die andblank in position for the rolling operation.

Figure 13 is a general perspective'view of the V rolling press used inperforming the rolling operations on the type-headfrom the blank to theFigures 13 and 13*- show thetypes and the blanks from which. they areproduced. The blanks are alike, but they are shown in angular positionscorresponding to the positions occupied in the various'graded dies.

Figure 14 is a perspective which showsthe grooved ejector used inremoving the rolled type from the press after the completlonof therolling operation. 1 a

shank preferably has two jaws i and 52.

Figure is a partially sectional representation of the type-blank beingrolled.

Figure l6 is a diagrammatic front elevation of the die in the openposition, showing the pickoff lingers in position to lift the rolledtype out of the die.

Figure 17 is similar to Figure 16, showing the rolled type being carriedon the pick-off fingers.

Figure 18 shows the rolled type after it is delivered from the rollingpress.

Figures 19 to 25, inclusive, show steps in the final machining of therolled type, all as described in detail in my application Serial No.46,570.

Figure 26 illustrates the parts that make up the blank-holding die,separated to facilitate identification.

In a typewriter of the noiseless class, the set of types is arranged ina substantially circular arc ZZ, as shown in Figure 1, a short distanceforward of the platen 3|. The types on one side of a center line XX ofthe machine are symmetrical with similarly located or complementarytypes on the opposite side of the center line. The type-heads 32 aresubstantially parallel to the vertical plane of the platen.

The respective shanks 35 of the types are riveted or otherwise securedto type-bars 34,

located radially with respect to the arc ZZ. The type-heads 35 of thecentral types 36 (Figures 1 and 3) are substantially perpendicular totheir shanks 33, as the path of these types is approximatelyperpendicular to the plane of the guide 31. The angle between the typehead and shank of individual types becomes increas-- ingly acute as theposition of the type-bars ranges from the'center to the ends of the arc,the most acute angle naturally being at an endtype, as 38, Figures 1 and4.

When a key on the keyboard is depressed, the corresponding type-bar 34carries the type from its home position in the arc ZZ to a positionWhere it contacts the guide 31. The edges 39 4|] of the lugs 39, 49,Figure 6, of a type-head contact edges such as M, M of a pair of notches42 and 52 formed in the center of the guide 3?, see Figures 3, 4, and 5.The purpose of this contact is to deflect the path of the type-head.changing the direction of its travel from an angular relation to theplaten to one substantially perpendicular thereto, thus insuring thecorrect printing pressure and position. It is obvious, therefore, thatthe angle given such edges must co-operate with the angle between typehead and shank.

The novel blank-holding die 59, Figure 26, used in co-operation with therolling press to form the type head and shank and give the correctangular relationship between typehead and Jaw 5| is formed with arectangular channel 53 having a vertical side 55 and a tapered side 65,the latter sloping uniformly from top to bottom. A vertical, rectangularabutment 54 integral with jaw 52 is formed to enter and partially occupychannel 53 when the two jaws are brought intointimate contact, one sideof abutment 54 contacting the vertical side of channel 53.

A die-head 55 having a width equal to that of the abutment 54 isinterposed between, and as shown in Figures 9 and 10 is in slidablecontact with, the said abutment and the wall of the channel 53, thedepth of the said channel being .54 and the die-head 55. Die-head 55 hasformed therein a longitudinal shoulder 55**, which, during the rollingoperation, will form a shoulder 53 on the under side of the finishedtype 39. This shoulder serves as a gage for all of the later millingoperations. ness-of the type from the top of the shoulder 43 to thesurface of the type-character M is the same for all of the types. Alocking wedge 56 -(Figures '7, 8, and 26) having one side tapered toconform to wall 55 of channel 53 and an opposite side 65 arranged toco-operate with the abutment 54 and idle-head 55 serves as a means oflocking die-head 55 in position during the rolling operation. Asillustrated in Figures 9 and 14, thewedge 55 spans the die-head 55 andtheabutment 54, and is in slidable contact with jaws .5l and .52 of thedie 5|]. The wedge 56 and die-head '55 are operatively associated bymeans of .a tongue .51 formed on the Wedge, engaging a suitable recess59 in the side of the die-head, in =1 snug contact with the upper andlower surfaces of the said recess. An extension 59 depending from thebottom die-head 55 toa point below the bottom surface of jaws 5| and 52serves as a means of opening the die 59 for the insertion of thetype-blank or the removal of the type after the rolling operation, aslater described. An upward pressure on extension 59 lifts the die-head55 and its associated wedge 55.

For rolling any type in which the type-head 32* angle of the chamferwith the top of the die v50 corresponding to the angle between thetype-head and the shank of the type. As shown in Figure 15, the lengthof such chamfer is substantially equal to the type-shank. Twosubstantially semicylindrical grooves, as 6|, are also milled out at thetop of the bevelled surface Bil of the abutment 54 to provide for theformation of the lugs 39 and at the ends of the rolled type 30 (seeFigure 18), the said lugs later being machined to form the directionguiding lug faces 39 40 which contact the edge of the guide 31 (seeFigures 3 and 4;). The surface 52 below the top of the die-head 55 isbevelled to a corresponding angle, to overlie the chamfer in parallelrelationship, the space 63 (Figure 10) between the surfaces when inoperating position being equal to the thickness of the type-head shank33, as indicated in Figure 15.

For rolling an oppositely positioned end-type, in which theangle betweenthe head and shank is the same as that of type 38, but oppositelydisposed, the same die may be used. The die 50 when inserted in thedie-bed H8 is, however, reversed in order that all of the characters maybe engraved on the rolling dies ill in a uniform manner, and the rollingdies uniformly mounted in the press. For any other pair of types, theangle between the respective heads and shanks will be correspondinglyequal for each type although less acute than the angle between the headand shank of the end-type 38, and, as illustrated in Figure li thedie-head and the abutment 54 of the die 59 are correspondingly beveledto the appropriate angle.

There may thus be eleven or more different setsof dies 50, dependingupon the number of angles required between the type heads and shanks, toform a set'of type. Reversing the dies allows the press to roll theforty-two or more types required per machine using one quarter thenumber of;

LIED

' dies.

'toform the type-headand character.

There are two types on each type-bar. Each bar has a substantialduplicate on the opposite side of the printing center, having a likeangle. Figure 11 shows the blank bar preferably of cold-rolled drawnsteel, as it is received from the rolling mill, with the head I0 flushwith one side of the thin shank II and substantially perpendicularthereto. This head may be of square, rectangular T-section or of othersuitable cross-section, depending upon the detailed method-of operationto be followed, in making the type. The shank II is bevelled at itslower, outer edge, as at I3.

This bar is cut into blanks I2 of the proper length for the forming ofthe finished type. The head I0 of the blank I2 contains enough materialAs the bar from which this blank is cut is cold-finished, the thicknessof the shank II is uniform and practically equal to the finishedtype-shank thickness required. Only one form of type-stock bar isrequired for the manufacture of all of the types used in the typewriter.

When the die is opened, as at Figure 9, by

elevating the die-head through the actionof a plunger I24 as laterdescribed, the space or pocket 63 is enlarged, as in Figure 9, and theshank 1| of the type-blank I2 may be readily inserted therein. Itv is afeature of this invention that the conjoint elevation of the wedge 56and the die-head permits side-play of the said wedge and'die-head whichconduces to the ease of insertion of the said blank.

On closing the said die, by means later set forth in connection with therolling press, the wedge 56 forces the die-head 55 against the wall 64of the channel 53. As shown in Figure 8, the width of the die-head 55'(and correspondingly the width of the abutment 54) is equal to the widthof the shank II of the type-blank, and thus I the said shank is tightlyconfined within a pocket bounded by pocket-side-forming surfaces 60 and62 of the abutment 54 and die-head 55 respective- 1y, by thepocket-end-forming wall 65 of the wedge 56, and by thepocket-end-formingwall 64 of the channel 53, the pocket sides and endscorresponding with the sides and ends of the type shank 33. It can beseen in Figure 15 that the die 50, when closed, presents a level surfaceto the rolling die I II of the press, and from Figure 8 it is evidentthat the die-head 55 of the said die is supported against downwarddisplacement during the rolling operation by the tongue 51 of the wedge56, the latter resting on a bed I2I of the rolling press, in which theblank-holding die 50 is held, and by the plunger I24, which is supportedby a fixed bed I20 of the press, and on which the die-head 55 rests. Itwill also be seen that the jaws or parts 5|, 52 form an outer means orblock having a well, bounded by the sides of the channel 53 and abutment54, and that the die-head 55 and wedge 56 form an inner means or blockmovable up and down in said well 'to open the blank-mounting die.

The rolling press, Figures 12 and 13, has two vertical columns I5 and I6connected by an arch II at the top. These vertical columns are fastenedat their respective bases to a table or machine base I8. A shaft I9,preferably journaled at and M in the two vertical columns I5 and I6, isconnected at one end to an electric motor and close or other powersource 82 by a gear train 82 or other suitable means of transmission,and is 'fitted at its opposite end with a timing gear 83.

A cam 84 is mounted at the center of the shaft V on thegear 83 said gearis blanked. The lower gear 85 is similarly blanked over an arc 9I so asto be intermittently driven by gear 83. The blanked portion of gear 83is arranged to act as a detent as it engages the blanked portion of gear85, thus preventing any rotation of gear 85 although gear 83 isconstantl rotating.

The sprocket 81 is connected by a suitable chain drive 92 to the lowersprocket 93, said sprocket 93 being carried by a shaft 94 suitablyjournaled in an extension 95 from a gear-chamber 96. i

A rock-shaft 91 is suitably journaled to the left column I5 of themachine, and carries at its outer end a rearwardly-extending arm 98whichis pivotally connected by a pin 99 and a rigid link I00 to a pin INon the web of sprocket 93. The inner or machine end of shaft 91 hasfixed thereto an arm I02 which at its rear end is removably fastened bya bracket I03 to an ejector I04.

A roller I I0 is mounted on a pin I II fixed to the web of sprocket 93.has cut therein or attached thereto four equally spaced radial slots H3,H3, H3 H3 is secured to a rotatable shaft H4 mounted on the gearchamber96. A helical gear H5 located within gear-chamber 96 is also mounted onthe shaft so as to be driven by Geneva follower H2. Gear H6 is in meshwith a similar helical gear H6, secured to a vertical shaft III, whichat its upper end is secured to or integral with a die-bed I I8.

As the gear 85 is intermittently driven by the constantly rotating gear83, the sprocket 93 is likewise intermittently driven. At a point duringthe rotation of sprocket 93, the roller H0 will slidably engage a slotin the Geneva follower H2, urging the Geneva follower and its associatedgear H5 into a quarter revolution. As the shaft I I! is secured at itsupper end to the die-bed H8, and as the shaft is driven by the gearing II5 and I I6, the die-bed I I8 will thus be rotated in counterclockwisequarter revolution steps. The timing mechanism is so arranged as to havethe idle periods of die-bed H8 equal to the duration of the type-rollingprocess.

It will be understood that although the preceding description hasspecifically mentioned a four position intermittent movement of shaftIII, an

intermittent movement having any reasonable number of stations can beaccomplished by a the stationary bed I20 and carries gear-chamber 96 at'its lower end, journals shaft H1. The bottom of the stationarymachine-bed I20 rests on the top surface of the base I8. The bottom ofthe revolving bed I2I bears against the top of the stationary bed I20and is thereby maintained in a horizontal position. The die-bed H8 restson the upper surface of the revolving bed I2I and is connected to it asby pins I22 so as to cause the simultaneous rotation of the revolvingbed.

The die-bed H8 has four or more operating stations A, B, C, and D,Figure 13. Where there are four stations, they are located apart andfour square or rectangular holes I 23, I23, I 23, I23 are cut in thedie-bed to receive the dies 50. The bed is revolved intermittently bymeans of the train of gears and the chain-drive previously described.The extension 59 depending from the lower end of the die-head 55 isprovided for lifting the die-head and opening the die. For each die, aplunger I24 is slidably fitted in a cylindrical hole in the revolvingbed IZI, the upper end of said plunger abutting the end of the extension59 on the die-head. The lower end of the plunger I24 rides in a cammedchannel I25, preferably cut in the stationary bed I20 below therevolving bed I2I. The cam I25 raises the plunger I24 and lifts thedie-head 55, thus opening the die at a predetermined point in its path,usually immediately ahead of station D. The die remains open until ithas passed station A where the operator inserts the blank 12 in theopened space 63 between the beveled surfaces 60 and 62.

Between the outer edge of any rectangular hole, as I23 in the die-bedH3, and the jaw of the die 50, a wedge I26, Figure 12, which tapers inthickness from top to bottom, is inserted. This wedge locks the die inits position in the die-bed.

In rolling a type in which the shank 33 inclines in an oppositedirection from that shown in Figure 18, but where the angle between thetypehead 32 and shank 33 is the same, the same die 50 is used. It isnecessary only to reverse the die in the hole 23 the wedge fittingagainst the jaw of the die, in the same manner.

The outer circumference of the revolving bed IZI is slotted at fourequally spaced points I21 I21 I212 I21 corresponding to the locations ofthe die-holes I23 etc., in the bed. A detentbar I20 preferablyrectangular and having a square nose to engage the slots I21 etc., isslidably fitted in a suitable guide I20, preferably an invertedchannel-member havinga closed rear wall I36 and secured to thestationary bed at the rear of the machine. A compression spring I3I,interposed between bar I28 and the rear wall I30 of guide I25, reacts tourge the detent-bar I28 forwardly.

The guide has a suitable opening I32 to expose rack-teeth I33 cut intothe upper surface of detent-bar I28 and to provide access for theactuating lever I34, the lower end of which has teeth in engagement withthe rack-teeth I33. The actuating lever I34 may be in the form of abellcrank, pivoted on a shaft I35 suitably secured to the machine-frame.The rearwardly-extending arm I36 is also secured to shaft I35 and ispivotally connected by means of a pin I31 and link I68 to a cam-rollerI39 mounted on an arm I40, which is pivoted at I4I to the machine-bed18. Cam I42 mounted on shaft 94 so as to rotate with the sprocket 93imparts a substantially vertical motion to link I38, which is translatedinto a horizontal movement of detent-bar I28.

The cam I42 engages the roller I39 immediately prior to the engagementof roller IIO with a slot of the Geneva follower IIZ, so as to withdrawthe detent-bar I26, in opposition to spring ESI, prior to and during therotation of the diebed I I8 to the next operating station. When the nextoperating station is reached, the engagement of cam I42 and roller I39will terminate, and spring l3I will be free to drive the detentbar I28into engagement with a slot, as I21 so as to prevent the furtherrotation of the die-bed during the rolling process.

As indicated on Figure 12, the bottom of the die 50 has at its ends twonotches I43 and I44. Two holes I45 and I46 which extend through the base16, the stationary bed I20 and the revolving bed I2! are located so thatthe front hole I45 is located at the juncture between the front notchI43 and the wedge I26, and the rear hole I46 corremove the die 50 fromthe press.

responds to the position of the notch I44, when the die is at the frontof the press-station A; A suitable rod or pin (not shown) may thus beinserted through the hole I45 in order to raise the wedge I26 and thefront jaw of the die so as to The other jaw may be likewise lifted byinserting a pin through the rear hole I46.

When the die 50 is reversed, as previously described, notch I44 andwedge I26 are located over the front hole I45.

A sliding frame I50 is supported at its sides by channels I5I formed inor attached to the vertical columns 15 and 16. The channels guide frameI50 in free vertical movement. In a forwardlyextending yoke I52 integralwith frame I50, a horizontal shaft I53 is fitted, at the center ofwhich, immediately below the cam 84, a camroller I54 is journaled, so asto rotate freely on shaft I53. Shaft I53 is eccentrically mounted inframe I50 so as to provide for a vertical adjustment of roller I54, theadjusting means comprising a rotatable wheel I53 The lower portion ofthe yoke I52 is formed into a rack I55 having toothed extremities I 55and I51 and a planar central surface I58.

Two supports I59 and I60 with rack-toothed surfaces are located at themachine-bed 13 and are disposed in thesame vertical plane asthe rack I55but are spaced outside of the toothed rack-extremities I56 and- I51. Atleast one of the supports, such as I59, is mounted on a suitable springI6I which urges the support in an upward direction.

A pair of rollers I62 and I63 having toothed extremities I64, I65 andI66, I61, mesh with each other and have their curved surfaces incontact. The upper roller I62 contacts the plane surface of the rackI55, with the roller-teeth I64, I65, meshing additionally with therackteeth I56 and I51. and I69 of the lower roller mesh with therackteeth of the supports I59 and I60.

Because the rollers are given only a limited rotation, the front andrear surfaces can be planar, as shown in Figure 13. The bottom surfaceof the lower roller I63 is additionally cut away, leaving only a centralportion I10 of full radius, in which portion the character-forming dieI'II, having a portion of its outer surface equal to the width of a type50 shaped to conform to the roller-surface, is removably inserted andsuitably locked. The character-forming die ill (see Figure 15) hasfemale impressions of the required type-characters 44 cut into itssurface I1I so as to form the characters in relief on the type-headblank 12 with the application of suitable rolling pressure.

A shaft I12, journaled at the rear of the press, has an eccentric I13fitted thereon, the shaft and eccentric being continuously rotatedduring '40 The toothed bearings I68 the press operation by a gear-trainor other connection to the outside power source 82. The gear-train 82which serves to connect the shaft 19 to the power source 82, preferablyis so designed as to give a 25-1 ratio between the rotation of eccentricI13 and shaft 19. An arm I14, journaled on the eccentric I13, ispivotally connected by means of a link I15 and a pin I16 to an arm I11fixed to the rear side of the upper roller I62. The reciprocal motiongiven to the arm E14 by the eccentric thereby imparts a forward andrearward rotation to the rollers I62 and I63, with the upper roller I62rolling against rackment of the rollers.

' ment of the blank 12 in the die 50.

over station B.

A downwardly-extending die-closing member, preferably consisting of anarm I18 fastened to the yoke I52, has a rectangular lower extremityparallel to the die-bed H8 and disposed exactly The lower extremityhas anotch I19 cut therein to engage the head of the type-blank 12 and has aflat surface I to engage the raised die-head 55.

At station B, the depth of thecammed channel I25 in which thedie-opening plunger I24 rides has reached a point which will permittheclosing of thedie-head 55 and the correct align- The diehead 55 with theassociated wedge 56 may drop by gravity, and the blank 12 may then beready for the rolling operation. 1

However, the die-closing operation may be made positive by the downwardmotion of the arm I18, which occurs as frame I50 descends during theprocess of rolling a blank 12 at the next station C. The die 50therefore is positively closed and locked at station B by the pressureof arm I18 on the die-head 55, which is forced down flush with thesurface offthe die 50. As the die-head 55 and-the locking wedge 56 areoperativeiy associated, closing the die serves additionally to lock it.v

For aligning the die 50 relatively to the face of the rolling die I 1|,there is provided an adjusting device in the form of a screw I8I, Figure12. The screw has'collars which straddle a stationary ledge threadedrear end of the screw shifts the stationary bed I20 with the die-bed H8forwardly or backwardly. Suitable means (not shown) are provided tomaintain the adjustment. The vertical mounting I IS, the top of which isconnected to or integral with the stationary bed I20, is also moved withthe die-bed H8 and the bed I20. As the die-bed H8 is attached to thevertical shaft II1, which is in turn journaled within the verticalmounting H9, any horizontal movement of the stationary bed I20 istransmitted through shaft II1 to die-bed H8, and consequently to the die50, holding a blank 12. Similar adjustment is provided at one side ofthe stationarysurface increases continuously from a' starting.

point I until a suitable point I86 is reached, thus providing a ramp I81for starting the rolling operation. From the point I86 on the camsurfaceto the point I88, the radius is substantiallyconstant, providing a dwellI89 during which the rolling operation is completed. After the point I88leaves the roller I54, there is a deep depression I in the cam-surfaceto permit the rolling die to raise under action of the springs I6I, toclear the die 55 and the blank 12 while the die-bed is turned to anotherstation. 7

When the die 50 has been positively closed by the action of arm I18, thenext quarter revolution of die-bed II8 brings die-50 and blank 12 intooperating position underthe rolling die I1I,

I83, and when turned the which with roller I 63 is continuously beingrocked back and forth. The cam 84, continuously rotating with shaft 19,brings the point I85 on its surface into engagement withthe cam-rollerI54,

exerting a downward pressure on the rolling die.

I1I, through medium of yoke I52 and the abutting rollers I62 and I63. Ascam 84 continues to rotate, the constantly increasing radius of the rampI81 exerts a correspondingly increased pressure on the die HI and, theblank 12. The combination of the increasing pressure and the rockingmotion of the die I 1| works the metal of the type-bar blank-head orstock-portion 10 into the impressions formed in the die 50, impartingthe shape of the die to the type-blank metal, and giving the shank 33substantially its exact shape, and its exact angle in relation to thenow rolled type-head 32, see Figures 15 and 16. When the point I86 onthe cam-surface is reached the shape of the type-head and shank issubstantially completed and the characters 44 in relief on the surfaceof the type-head 32 have taken shape, see Figures 15 and 16. During thedwell period between the points I86 and I88 on the cam-surface, thepressure of the rolling die on the type practically becomes zero and thecharacters 44 are given their finished accurate form. The wings 45, 46on the rolled typehead were in the process of formation throughout therolling operation, said wings being'composed of the fiash, or excessmetal. on the cam marks the end of the rolling operation, which, for thecustomary type stock metal; usually takes twenty strokes of therolling'die.

The rolled type 38 (Figure 18) as it is formed by this process thusconsists of a type-head 32 substantially complying in thickness. and,shape to the finished type-head 32 (Figures 3, 4, and 6) with a certainamount of excess material or flash projecting from the sides, in theform of wings 45, 46, lugs 39 and 40 molded at the ends of the type-headbeneath the head; a shank 33 formed at the correct, angle relative tothe head and a gaging shoulder 43. The characters 44 in substantiallytheir finished form are formed in .relief on the face of the type-head.The type-bar is thrust endwise to abut against gage 43 when type isriveted to bar.

The continued rotation of the cam allows the frame I58 and thecam-roller I54 to rise by the reaction" of spring lei until it reachesthe depressed surface I98 of the cam. During this period the pressure onthe rolling die is entirely relieved and the rolling die is raised outof engagement with the rolled type 30, see Figure 13. At or about thispoint, the die-bed H8 is rotated through an angle of 90, bringing thenext die 50 from station B to station C under the rolling die, and theprocess is repeated.

With my invention, therefore, what ordinarily would require at least anoperation to form the type-head and a rolling operation to form thecharacters, is accomplished in one continuous operation by thecombination of gradually applied vertical pressure and simultaneousoscillation to a rocking die.

After leaving statibn C, the next movement of I the die-bed H8 bringsthe plunger I24 into contact with the ramp. I25 of the cam-track I25.The sliding of the plunger on the cam-ramp causes the plunger to liftthe die-head 55, thus freeing the rolled type 30 as seen in Figures 14and 16; The opening of the die also lifts the lust previously rolledtype so that the flash 45 Point I88 is now spaced from the die-bed I I8.This action occurs before the die reaches station D.

During the rotation of the die-bed H8 and as the opened die with therolled type 30 therein approaches station D, the ejector I04 previouslymentioned is brought into operative position, Figures 14 and 16, by thedownward motion of arm I02, which by reason of its operative associationwith the timing gears 83 and 85 and sprocket 93 is synchronized with themovement of the diebed H0. The machine end of the ejector I 04 isprovided with two pick-01f fingers I05 and I00, the ends of which arecurved and disposed in advance of station D. The fingers are formed atthe ends of the plates I0! and I08 comprising the bottom of theejector-channel I09. The ejectorfinger I05 is in advance of the otherfinger and passes at one side of the type under the lifted flash 45 asthe die 50 approaches station D. As the die 50 travels to its station D(see Figures 14 and 16) the right wing 45 of the rolled type-head 32slides on to the inside finger I05 and rides up on it, bringing therolled type 30 to a position where the shank 33 is practically clear ofthe die-space 63, see Figure 1'7. At approximately'this point, the leftwing 46 of the type-head 32, now clear of the lifted die-head, rides onto the outer finger I06 and before the die-bed II8 has stopped atstation D, the rolled type 30 has been removed from the die 50, thewings 45 and 06 of the type-head resting on the channel-plates I01, I08of the ejector I04 as shown in Figure 17. During the period in which thenext type-blank is being rolled, the arm I02 is rocked upward aboutshaft 91, tilting the ejector upward, and the rolled type 30 slides bygravity along the channel I09 of the ejector and falls into a suitablereceptacle I95. A proper curve is given the channel I09 to remove therolled type in a direction of the shank 33, so that there is nointerference during the rotation of the die-bed H0 to station D. It willbe understood that the ejector may be removed from the bracket I03 forchanging the ejector to co-operate with the type being roller, as thedirection in which the type-shank 33 is inclined from the perpendiculardetermines which of the two ejector-fingers I05 and I05 is to engage thetype first,

and also determines the curvature of the fingers I05 and I06.

In practice, four forms of ejector I00 are available. The pick-offfinger under which the opened die-head 55 passes depends on whether alefthand or a right-hand form of type 30 is being rolled, as previouslyexplained, andone of the pick-off fingers must pass closely over the jawof die 50, whereas the other must clear the elevated die-head 55, asillustrated in Figures 16 and 17. The third and fourth forms of ejectorI04 are used with those types in which the angle between the type-head32 and shank 33 is nearly such as the centrally-disposed types.

The die 50 remains open as the next quarter turn of die-bed H8 bringsdie 50 again to station A, at which point a new blank I2 will beinserted.

While the above description is based upon one blank and die, passingfrom one station to the next, it is understood that the revolvingdie-bed IIB carries four or more dies 50, into each of which a blank I2is inserted when reaching station A. The rolling operation is thereforealmost continuous, with the entire operation automatic, with theexception of the initial insertion of the blank I2 into the die, which,although usually The invention is not confined to types used intypewriters, for the invention may be used in.

making types for computing, adding, recording, check-writing, and othermachines.

The type-rolling motion hereinbefore described may also be described asa rocking motion, or a kneading motion,o r other metal-Working motion.

The subsequent machining operations, in which the rolled types are giventheir final, finished, form, are described in detail in my applicationSerial No. 46,570.

This application is a division of my pending application Serial No.46,570, filed October 24, 1935.

Variations may be resorted to within the scope of the invention, andportions of the improvements may be used without others.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a die for supporting type-blanks during the process of rollingtypewriter-types, a pair'of jaws, an extension on one of said jawsprotruding into a channel formed by the sides and back of the oppositejaw, a die-head slidably fitted between said extension and said channel,a beveled surface formed on the extension of one jaw with asubstantially parallel beveled surface on said die-head, and meanslocking said die-head in said die. 1

2. In a die for supporting type-blanks during the process of rollingtypewriter-types, a pair of jaws, a die-head slidably fitted betweensaid jaws, means for gripping a type-blank between the die-head and ajaw, a wedge for locking said die-head in said die, and an extensiondepnding from said die-head for opening said die and releasing theblank.

3. In a die for supporting type-blanks during the process of rollingtypewriter-types, a pair of jaws, a die-head slidably fitted betweensaid jaws, means for grippinga type-blank between the die-head and ajaw, awedge for locking said die-head 'in said die, and meansoperatively associating said wedge and said die-head, whereby the saidwedge is maintained in fixed vertical relationship with the saiddie-head, to move conjointly with said die-head during the opening andclosing of the said die.

4. In a die for supporting type-blanks during the process of rollingtypewriter-types, a pair of jaws, a die-head slidably fitted betweensaidjaws, said die-head having a shoulder formed therein for forming agaging shoulder on said type to accurately establish the position of thesaid type in subsequent machining operations, means for gripping atype-blank between the die-head and a jaw.'a wedge for locking saiddiehead in said die, and an extension depending from said diehead foropening said die and releasing the blank.

5. A die for supporting type-blanks duringthe process of rollingtypewriter-types, thesaid types having a character-bearing head and ashank in angular relationship with the said head, comprising, incombination, a stationary member and a slidable member arranged toco-operate therewith in confining the blank during the rollingoperation, the said stationary member formed to impart to the rolledtype the correct angular relationship between the head and shankthereof, means whereby the said slidab-le member may be held tightlywithin the said stationary member and supported flush with the surfacethereof, and means whereby the said slidable member may be raised abovethe surface of, the said stationary member and permitted lateral play toconduce to the ease of insertion of the type-blank orthe removal of therolled typefrom the said die.

6. A die for supportingtype-blanks during the process of rollingtypewriter-types, the said types having a character-bearing, head and ashank in angular relationship with the said head, comprising, incombination, a stationary member and a slidable member arranged toco-operate therewith in confining the blank during the rollingoperation, the said slidable member. formed to impart a gaging shoulderto the rolled type to establish the position of the said type duringsubsequent machining operations, and arranged to.

raise the said rolled type above the surface of the said die after therolling process to position the said type for ejection from the press.

7. Ablank-holding die for use in a press for rollingv typewriter-types,the said typeshaving a character-bearing head and a shank in fixedangular relationship to said head, the said die comprising, incombination, a fixed member arranged to be secured in said press, and amember slidably contained in said fixed member and having meansco-operating with said press by which the said sliding member mayberaised or lowered, the said blank-holding diearranged tosupport theblank from which the type is rolled partto the said blank the desiredangular relationship between the type-head and the typeshank, and toform position-gaging means on said rolled type whereby the position ofthe said typein subsequently used finishing machines may be accuratelyestablished. e

8. A die for holding and shapingv a blank dur ing the process ofmanufacturing types for typewriting machines, the said types having acharacter-bearing head and a shank in certain angular relationship withthe said head, comprising in combination, a pair of jaws, an extensionon one jaw protruding into a channel formedin the other, thesaidextension having a sloping surface, the angle of the latter with thesurface of the jaw equalling the desired angle between the head and theshank of the completed type, a die-head slidably confined between saidjaws, the die-head having a ledge overhanging the sloping surface of thejawvextension in substantially parallel relationship thereto, anextension depending from the bottom of the said die-head, and a wedgekeyed into the said die-head to move therewith, the said wedge servingto hold the die-head securely in position, with the surface thereofflush with the surface of the said jawsduring the rolling of the saidblank'and serving to confine the said die-head loosely within the saidjaws when the die-head is raised by means of upward pres sure exerted onthe extensionof the said die,- head, the loose'confinement of the saiddie-head permitting the ready insertion of the blank into thespacebetween thesloping surface of the said extension and theoverhanging ledge of the diehead, and the easy removal of the said blankafter the rolling operation,

9. A set of type-dies for a set of typewriter types havingintegralshanks extending'at progre'ssively different angles relatively to theprinting-faces of the types, including type-characterrolling dies forforming the printing-faces upon type-blanks, and including a set ofdifferent blank-mounting dies, the blanks having exposed stock-portionsupon which said rolling dies work, and also'having shank-portionsbecoming fixed in the individual mounting-dies, the differentmounting-dies having angularly differentiated means for fixing theshanks at progressively different angles to the type-character-rollingsurfaces of the rolling dies, whereby to roll the typefaces andsimultaneously establish the shanks at the different angles, as setforth.

10. For rolling a set of typewriter-types having shanks extending atprogressively differing angles with their respective printing-faces, thecombination with a set of face-rolling dies for the set of types, of aset of'blank-mounting dies, for use with the face-rolling dies, andformed for mounting the respective type-blanks for the process ofrolling the typewriter-types with different character-bearing heads,eachgblank having a shank constituting portion, each of themounting-dies being composed of parts that are relatively separable, topermit mounting the blank and demounting the formed type, one of whichparts is stationary and the other of which is movable, said stationaryand movable parts coacting to hold the blank during therolling'operation, the stationary members in the set having differentshank-disposing faces disposed at pro: gressively differing angles'tothe rolling dies, to establish in the set of rolled types the correctprogressively differing angular relationships between the heads and theshanks of the types.

11. For rolling a set of typewriter types having shanks extendingatprogressively differing angles with their respective printing faces,the rcombi nation with a set of face-rolling dies for the set of types,of a set of blank-mounting dies, for coaction with the face-rollingdies, and formed for mounting the respective type-blanks for the processof rolling the typewriter-types with different character-bearing heads,each blank having a shank-constituting portion, each of themounting-dies being composed-of parts that are relatively separable, topermit mounting the blank and demounting theformed type, one of whichparts is stationary and the other of which.

is movable, said stationary and movable parts coacting to confine theblank during the rolling operation, the stationary members in the sethaving different shank-disposing faces disposed at progressivelydiffering angles to the rolling dies, to establish in the set of rolledtypes thecorrect progressively differing angular relationships, betweenthe heads-and the shanks of thetypes, and means for holding each movablemountingmember tightly in blank-holding relation with the stationarymounting-member. Y

12. A blank-mounting die forming a component of a set adapted to' mounttype-blanks so that type-shank portions of said blanks are fixed atprogressively'difierent angles with type-character formers; saidmounting-die includingouter means forming a well, and an inner blockfitted within and movable up and down in said well, a

rim-portion of said well and a companion part type-shank sides at acertain angle of obliquity with the type-character formers.

13. A blank-mounting, die forming a component of a set adapted to mounttype-blanks so that type-shank portions of said blanks are fixed atprogressively different angles with type-character formersj saidmounting-die including outer means forming a well, and an inner blockfitted within and movable up and down in said well; a,

rim-portion of said well and a companion part of said inner block beingarranged as a pocket having opposite sides and opposite ends for similarsides and ends of the type-shank, the pocketsides being sloped from thevertical tofix the type-shank sides at a certain angle of obliquity withthe type-character formers, said inner block being tapered relatively tosaid well and the pocket-end being arranged sothat said ends are fixedlyspaced when the pocket is closed upon the type-shank by lowering theinner block and are spreadable when the pocket is opened by lifting theinner block.

14. In a type-blank mounting die, as for a type-character-formingmachine, an outer block having a well, and an inner block movable uprespectively to enlarge and reduce said pocket 10 relatively to saidtype-shank.

EDWIN THORELL.

